Kattakada

Kattakada is a small town in the eastern part of Thiruvanathapram (Trivandrum) District. It is situated about 18 Kms east of Trivandrum, the capital of Kerala. To its north is situated Nedumangad (18 KMs) and to its south, Neyyattinkara (14 KMs). It is a commercial centre and the second biggest market of hill products in the district, after Nedumangad. Neyyar Dam, a tourist spot and the core of Agasthyavanam Wildlife Sanctuary, is only 10 Kms away from Kattakada, towards the east. Thus, Kattakada is situated at the cetre of four important places in four directions; Trivandrum to the west, Neyyattinkara to the south, Neyyar Dam to the east and Nedumangad to the north. Kattakada is the entry point to the mountain ranges (Western Ghats) and the nerve centre of the eastern parts of the district. Also, it is a growing educational centre in the Trivandrum district, which fast emerges as the educational hub of Kerala. The present day Kattakada town lies in two village panchayts; Kattakada and Poovachal. Many important instituions like the Primary Health Centre, the public market, the post office, Christian College and C.S.I. Kattakada are situated in Poovachal Panchayat. The virtual population present in the semi-urban areas of the town is calculated to be between 15,000 and 20,000, while the combined population of both these panchayats is 70,000. Kattakada became an independent Taluk (Tehsil) on 11th February, 2014. Kattakada is a constituency in the Legislative Assembly since 2011. Curiously enough, a considerable portion of the town which forms part of Poovachal Panchayat, is included in the neighbouring Aruvikara Assembly constituency.